The Coahuila Automotive Industry Cluster (CIAC) was not born with the strength of other similar organizations in Mexico; for years, it operated as an extension of that of Nuevo León, without its own structure, and it was only six years ago that it was formally established and began to chart its own course, according to its president, Lourdes (Lulú) Cobos .
Today, the cluster is working to consolidate itself as an industrial hub with its own identity, more affiliated companies, and a stronger network of academic collaboration .
With 60 member companies, the organization represents nearly 110,000 jobs in the state. Still, its president believes its potential is far from exhausted. Upon her arrival in January 2025, the priority is to attract more companies from the region, both manufacturers and suppliers, and to professionalize the internal committees that address technical, strategic, and university outreach issues .
One of the central pillars is strengthening relations with universities in Coahuila . The cluster’s council, which includes rectors from key institutions, promotes dual training models and provides feedback on educational programs based on the needs of companies.
This collaboration allowed for the updating of technical and administrative careers, integrating topics such as electromobility , foreign trade and finance .
The president (the first woman to lead the cluster) gave new impetus to the organization’s vision for the future. Her appointment was supported by a predominantly male board, which championed leadership with a different perspective, focused on inclusion and collaborative work.
From their perspective, the growth of electromobility in Mexico continues, albeit at a slower pace than projected years ago. The cluster’s commitment is not limited to electrification, but to a broader goal: the decarbonization of the automotive industry .
For Cobos, this must be a shared goal for the entire manufacturing community, both for environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.
In addition to industrial development, the director seeks to pave the way for more women within the sector. She believed her role could inspire other female managers, directors, and academics to get involved in similar organizations.
More than a challenge, he sees it as an opportunity to demonstrate that teamwork and diversity in the automotive industry strengthen any collective project.
Cobos ‘s term as head of Coahuila’s automotive cluster is two years. Although the road is still long, the foundation has been laid: more active committees, closer academic relationships, and a clear growth strategy to position Coahuila as a leading automotive industry , not only as an export powerhouse, but also as a community with its own voice.
With the foundations now laid, the challenge now will be to sustain growth, maintain collaboration between industry and academia, and make the cluster a meeting point for strategic decisions in the sector. From Coahuila, the automotive industry seeks to increase its production and build community.
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